San Diego, CA – Immersed Technologies recently conducted a series of high-voltage safety awareness workshops for ACE Parking personnel at San Diego International Airport. The workshops were commissioned by the San Diego International Airport Authority as ACE expands its fleet with electric shuttles.
Immersed tailored the training to raise awareness about electrical hazards associated with electric shuttles and provided actionable recommendations to enhance ACE’s emergency response plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and electrical safety information.
ACE team members, including shuttle operators, charging attendants, supervisors, and other facilities personnel, gained critical knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of operating electric shuttles in a busy airport environment.
High-Voltage Safety
The workshops addressed key safety considerations, including:
- Identifying High-Voltage Systems: Participants learned to recognize orange high-voltage cables, fault indicators, and high-risk areas in electric vehicles.
- Battery Fire and Emergency Response: Immersed provided guidelines on recognizing thermal runaway warning signs—such as smoke, swelling, or chemical odors—and emphasized maintaining a 50-foot safety perimeter during a battery fire.
- Safe Shutdown Procedures: Attendees learned step-by-step emergency power-down protocols for Endera shuttles and Proterra electric transit buses.
- Parking and Isolation Precautions: Personnel were instructed to isolate damaged vehicles in designated areas to minimize risk and prevent fire spread.
- Charging Station Safety: Workshop information highlighted emergency stop (E-Stop) buttons at charging stations and identified warning signs of potential hazards, such as overheating or abnormal sounds.
- Hear something, say something: Road debris or hitting obstacles can lead to battery issues. Operators are encouraged to immediately report any impact incidents to maintenance supervisors.
Improving Airport Safety
In addition to hands-on training, Immersed conducted a site survey of ACE operations and proposed improvements to its emergency response plans and electrical safety programs. Recommendations included:
- Enhanced SOPs for isolating high-voltage systems and managing abused battery packs.
- Detailed post-incident monitoring procedures to assess potential battery damage after collisions or overheating.
- Implementation of proper spacing between vehicles while parked in the ACE lot.
Supporting the Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
Immersed Technologies’ expertise helps organizations like ACE Parking safely integrate these advanced technologies into their operations as zero-emission electric vehicles become more prevalent in transit fleets. The workshops reflect Immersed’s commitment to empowering transit teams with the tools and knowledge needed to support a cleaner, safer future.
“Electric shuttles are transforming airport operations, but they require heightened awareness of high-voltage systems and electrical hazards,” said Mike Brock, President of Immersed Technologies. “By equipping ACE personnel with critical electrical safety knowledge, we’re helping ensure that the transition to zero-emission vehicles is as safe and seamless as possible.”
The workshops marked a milestone as one of the first non-mechanic audiences to participate in Immersed Technologies’ electrical safety awareness training. As fleets add more zero-emission vehicles, an urgent need for awareness training expands outside maintenance shops to keep all personnel safe from electrical hazards.